Roughly 10% of 3 billion shares voted were cast against Robson Walton, board chairman and son of founder Sam Walton, and more than 12% were cast against Christopher Williams, an investment banker who serves as chairman of the board’s audit committee.

The dissenting votes come as shareholders question the effectiveness of Wal-Mart’s response to allegations of violations of the U.S. law that prohibits bribery in foreign countries, its treatment of workers and its safeguards to ensure the products it sells are made in humane conditions.

The votes have little practical effect because the Walton family controls more than half of Wal-Mart’s shares, and backed the company-recommended 14-member board. Read More »